Monroe, who has started 62 of 65 games since he was drafted eighth overall in 2009, was acquired in exchange for a pair of late-round picks in the 2014 draft. Monroe, whose wife Nureya is a Maryland native, will take his Ravens physical early Thursday.

The Ravens will pick up the balance of Monroe's $3.8 million salary this season. If Monroe plays to his expected high level, the club will explore hammering out a long-term deal later this season. Monroe's acquisition was not contingent on the Ravens striking a long-term contract immediately, a person familiar with the trade told USA TODAY Sports.

That person requested anonymity because the trade has yet to be finalized pending Monroe's physical.

It is unlikely Monroe will be ready by Sunday to provide the upgrade sought for struggling left tackle Bryant McKinnie, who has allowed one sack and 10 hurries, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

McKinnie hasn't come close to playing at the level he did late in last season's march to the title.

"Obviously, we're bringing Eugene in to play,'' Harbaugh said. "How soon that can happen remains to be seen."

The deal is the first in-season trade of general manager Ozzie Newsome's Ravens tenure and it sent a clear message.

"It's not a sign of desperation. It's a sign that this football team wants to win and we want to win now,'' defensive end Chris Canty said of acquiring Monroe, fellow University of Virginia alumnus. "We're not going to except anything less than a championship performance.''